• Australia's top music charts will exclude songs that are largely AI-generated.
• The decision follows backlash over a controversial Madonna cover that used AI extensively.
• Tracks using AI in a supporting role will still be eligible for the charts.

Australia's top music charts will no longer allow songs that are largely or wholly created by artificial intelligence (AI), as announced by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). This decision is aimed at preserving "the human nature of artistry" in the music industry and follows growing concerns surrounding the influx of AI-generated content, especially after a cover of Madonna's "Like a Prayer" gained significant popularity despite its AI origins, according to South China Morning Post, Bangkok Post, and BBC.

Effective immediately, all music submitted for chart consideration must be "substantially human made" to qualify for inclusion. The new rules stipulate that "wholly AI-generated tracks will not be eligible for the ARIA Charts." However, the guidelines do allow for recordings that incorporate AI in a supporting role, such as for instrumental backing or production techniques, according to Bangkok Post and Al Jazeera.

The decision arrived after a notable incident in which a cover of Madonna's hit was revealed to utilize AI-generated elements, igniting public controversy. The cover, by Australian DJ Josh Fawaz, not only topped the charts but also faced scrutiny, prompting him to later acknowledge the use of AI. This controversy highlighted the challenges artists face in a market increasingly filled with technology-driven content, as emphasized by ARIA CEO Annabelle Herd, who stated their aim is to "promote the human nature of artistry" amidst these changes according to BBC and Al Jazeera.

Moreover, operational guidelines will include a new labelling system for AI-generated content, helping to distinguish between fully AI-driven music and that which includes human creativity. This decision comes at a time when global conversations about the ethics of AI in creative industries are escalating, as seen in other regions, including initiatives by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry that prohibit similar practices, according to South China Morning Post and BBC.